This past weekend, I had the privilege of volunteering to help Chattanooga, TN execute their first SQL Saturday — SQL Saturday 410! Being only about a two hour drive from where I live, I was very happy to see another nearby city launch a new SQL Saturday event. For a first-run event, the event went very smoothly and I witnessed no show-stopping glitches. While there were small things that could be improved here and there (there always are), I felt the event was executed very well and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. All told, there were about six full sponsor tables setup in the registration area and a couple of the typical raffle-only sponsors. I assisted with event photos and room proctoring. And, of course, Micron was present again with their always popular bacon-scented t-shirt!

Despite being a new event, the organizers managed to recruit a good number of speakers and managed to fill out 6 different tracks of 5 time slots. A great feat! I’ve seen longer running events with fewer sessions available. A good number of sessions helps to increase the diversity and ensures that there is “something for everybody.” The venue itself worked out great with ample parking, ample rooms, and ample space in rooms. Only the first session I attended was near capacity, which was great (since nobody wants to miss a session due to not enough seats).

All told, I had a great time at the first SQL Saturday Chattanooga and I felt the event was very well done and I look forward to future events from the Chattanooga crew!